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Chevrolet has priced the Corvette beyond the reach of almost anyone whoisn`t a contingency lawyer. And Toyota, Nissan and Mazda have put price tagson the Supra, 300ZX and RX-7 that would make an emperor blush. Yet a WestGerman automaker used reverse psychology to come up with an “affordable“Porsche.

Starting at $19,900 with 5-speed ($20,400 with automatic) hardlyqualifies the 1987 Porsche (Pour-shuh) 924S as a blue light special. But fornow the 924S carries the status of a Porsche nameplate for about $5,000 lessthan a Porsche 944 or `Vette and for about the same number of coins as theabove-mentioned Japanese rivals.

However, effective Nov. 15, the 924S goes up by a hefty $2,000, in largepart to take into account the rising value of the German mark against the U.S.dollar. Since the competition has yet to announce 1987 prices and the Japaneseyen is traveling the same upward course as the mark, the 924S probably willstill be priced relatively the same as Supra, 300ZX and RX-7.

While the styling of the Supra, 300ZX and RX-7 can hardly bedistinguished from one another, the 924S carries the distinctive Porsche look,in fact closely resembling the stylish 944 minus the flared fenders and groundeffects rockers.

Not only does the 924S bare a family resemblance to the 944, it has thesame drive train, brakes, running gear and electrical system. We test drovethe 924S powered by the 2.5-liter, fuel-injected 4-cylinder engine thatproduces 147 horsepower, boasts of a top speed of 134 m.p.h., and a 0 to 60time of 8.3 seconds with 5-speed (9.8 seconds with automatic). The EPA ratingsare 21 m.p.g. city and 27 m.p.g. highway with 5-speed, 19 and 23 m.p.g. withautomatic.

Despite the performance numbers, the 924S isn`t a screamer. If you wantto experience G-forces, get a 944 turbo. If you want a so-called fun machinethat quickly whips into the passing lane or hugs a corner snuggly without bodyroll–even if you have to downshift and then work up again through theslippery smooth 5-speed manual once back on the straightaway–then give the924S a look.

The 944 turbo gallops from a light, the 924S sprints. But the 924S is one of those machines you can drive every day and don`t have to save for weekends at the track. Like the nonturbo 944, what you lack in raw power you make upfor in road-holding manners, the feeling the driver is in control of themachine, not a visitor fighting it, as in a 911, for example.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, tinted glass, electric andheatable outside mirors, power steering and power windows. AM/FM stereo withcassette, electric sunroof, limited slip differential and rear window wiperare options.

The 924 was introduced in the United States 10 years ago and last soldhere in 1982, Porsche said. Only about 5,000 of them will be shipped to theU.S. in the 1987 model year. Showroom expectancy before finding a home isroughly two days.

The 924S is Porsche`s first `87 model. The others bow in September andinclude a new 944S with a 16-valve version of the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine ($28,250) and a new 928S-4 at $58,900. Prices will go up an average of 8.6percent, bringing the 944 to $25,500, the 944 turbo to $33,250, 911 to$38,500, 911 turbo to $58,750, Targa to $40,500, and Cabriolet to $44,500.Both driver and front-seat-passenger air bags will be available in all 944sexcept the 16-valve.